GMO stands for genetically modified organism. Of course, this is just what the acronym means, but not really what it is. A GMO is the outcome of a process done in the lab where the genes of the DNA from one organism is taken and is artificially forced into the genes of a different plant or animal. GMOs can be found in many different areas and are very useful.
There are also three areas or sectors, whichever you prefer, in society where GMOs can be used. One area GMOs can be used is in medicine. It can help create insulin for people with diabetes. It is better to use this alternative because it cost less, there are fewer allergic reactions, and it stops us from killing pigs for their insulin. Another area it is used is agriculture. It can help increase yields. It can also help with drought, pest resistance, and disease resistance. It is also known that GMO in animals help increase milk and egg production. It can also make higher meat proportions and make it disease resistant. Lastly, GMOs can also be found in bioremediation. Bioremediation is when living organisms such as microorganisms, small bacteria, and yeasts are used to clean contaminated soil or water. Bioremediation is a good way to clean up these contaminated places, but it is low in use because of one holdback, the organisms need to be able to survive these contaminated environments. This is where GMOs come into play. The genetic modification engineers the bacteria so it will be strong enough to withstand its environments. These are the main three places GMOs can be used.
For my family and I we do eat GMO foods but not a lot. Whenever we shop, we do not usually check to see if the food is non-gmo or not. My family usually eats a lot of canned greens and salads. We don’t really eat processed foods a lot but more so natural foods. So for now I can say that my family and I usually eat non-gmo foods but occasionally consume GMO foods here and there.
Of course with almost every situation there is always positives and negatives. With using GMOs. For example, one positive of using genetically modified organisms is that animals can produce more milk and eggs and the meat can taste better. The genetically modified animals also are expected to have higher resistance to diseases and to have good health and have better natural waste management. In conclusion, genetically modified animals can also be helpful to the environment because of conserving water, soil, and energy. On the other hand there are also negatives. For example, allergies. When you genetically modify certain foods, you’re putting genes from one food into another. This can cause allergic reactions and other side effects on the person consuming the food. In 1996 soybeans were being modified to have the same traits as a brazil nut. The problem found was that the bean contained the allergic properties of the nut, but this was all found out before the genetically modified beans were released for public consumption. Of course, there are more positives and negatives to GMOs but these are just two of them.
In conclusion, genetically modified organisms can be helpful. Of course, they can also be harmful and have negative effects. GMOs can be found in different areas and be helpful in all of them. GMOs are not necessarily bad, but they are also not necessarily good. It is up to you whether or not you think genetically modified organisms are good or bad, but for now here are some details to help you on making your decision.
